BY:NURUL HANIZA MOHTAR

NICHOLAS JEREMY FRANCISPRISCILLA CHIN

Topic 2:CV and Cover Letter

Writing a CVWhat is a ‘Curriculum Vitae’? A record of your personal, educational and

work details, which emphasizes the experience, knowledge and skills relevant to the type of job / course of study for which you are applying.

Provide prospective employers with a summary of your relevant life experiences and skills to date.

Enhance your chances of getting to interview if you target your CV to the vacancy for which you are applying. identifying the specific skills and experience

that your prospective employer wants providing evidence that you possess these

things

What’s the Difference between a CV & Resume

Resume

A resume is a one or two page summary of your skills, experience education.

BriefConcise1 minute to review

CV

Applying for international, academic, education, scientific or research positions or when applying for fellowships or grants.

CVs and How to use them Targeting your CV

Tailor your CV accordingly Don’t do “spamming” please Highlight your skills

Choosing the right CV(4 types to choose from)

Different types of CV

Skill basedChronologicalAcademicScientific/Technical

Different Types of CV

Skills Based

Do not have a lot of directly related experience

So much experience

Career change -transferable skills.

Chronological

Reverse chronological order.

Directly related experience.

Academic

Applying for postgraduate study/research or jobs in the field of academic research

Membership of professional bodies

AwardsResearches

Scientific / Technical

More detailed information on coursework (including final year projects), technical equipment used and outline of the procedures followed.

There is a real role for scientific jargon in this type of CV.

Writing a CV

Here's some basics of what should you include:Personal Details Definitely include: Name, Address, Phone, Email Possibly include: Nationality, Date of Birth, Gender No need to include: Marital status, health or a photograph. 

Education Include in reverse chronological order: University,

Degree subject, class expected or attained, brief details of modules (emphasis on most relevant), final year project if appropriate, School name, A Levels (or equivalent) always with grades,

No need to mention: University and school addresses or minor qualifications.

Writing a CV

Work experience or professional experience In reverse chronological order include all work experience,

but expand on the most relevant. Sometimes it can be useful to divide work experience in to 'related work experience' and 'other work experience' 

Achievements Are you on any committees? Do you organise any social

events? Are you a student representative? Give brief details of any positions held such as president or treasurer in university societies including what you achieved. 

Other skills / achievements To include anything that has not found a convenient slot,

might include any award received, any additional skills (e.g. presentation) or other workshops attended. 

Writing a CV

RefereesReferees - usually two. One academic

(Tutor/Programme Manager) and one work based. Don't forget to ask before naming them!

Ask yourselfIs this the right CV type for your particular blend

of qualifications, skills and experience?

Writing a cover letter

Introduces you and your resume to an employer, should send a cover letter with every CV

It is important, as it gives you the opportunity to draw your readers' attention to specific qualifications. provides a sample of your written communications skills

A CV presents a lot of information about your past employment and education, while a cover letter features specific qualifications that you think will impress your readers the most.

Should prepare a new cover letter for every position you apply for, because cover letters should be tailored to the needs of your readers.

In your cover letter state why you are writing,

E.g. I am writing to express my interest in applying for a technical customer service executive with Company XXX

state why you are the best person for the job I have a record of outstanding success in customer services, user

training, and user support as well as projects management, in multi location, multi state, and international environments. I also have sound awareness in what is required by being part of a busy customer service division in a big establishment based on my previous employment as a Network Computing Executive with ExxonMobile, Malaysia. My four and a half years of progressively responsible experience has encompassed a great deal of IT customer service and user training. No stranger to Service Level Agreement, I am confident that I will do very well for this position.

Writing a cover letter

In your cover letter

Outline why you are interested in this job/sector and in this specific company. Relate your particular interests and skills to the needs of the role and this Company in particular

Writing a cover letter

In your cover letter Your closing indicates what you plan to do

after your readers have received your resume and cover letter.

A good practice is to: Inform your readers when you will contact them. Include your phone number and e-mail address. Thank your readers for their consideration.

Writing a cover letter

Sample closing : I will contact you before June 5th to discuss my application.

I look forward to speaking with you at that time. If you wish to contact me, I may be reached at XXX XXX XXX, or by e-mail at rohaini@hotmail.com. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Please contact me at the above address or call XXX XXX XXX, as I would like to arrange a mutually convenient time for a meeting, during which we can further discuss your current or anticipated openings. May I hear from you? Thank you for your consideration

Writing a cover letter

A few pointers on cover letters ..

Should be sent with all applications and CVsUse one side of A4Keep it clear, simple and conciseAddress it to the appropriate person by name and

positionSpell and grammar check itUse good quality paperKeep a copy

Hidden Jobs..

Not advertised ‘I am writing to ask whether you have vacancies within your

………. Department. As you will see from my CV, I have…’

Another strategy for finding out about vacancies which have not been advertised is to

arrange for an informational interview with a company in a sector which interests you; the

following outline letter would be appropriate: I am very interested in a career in………………………………… and

would like to know if

I could arrange to visit your………………........ to find out more about the work and obtain your advice.

I was given your name by X who suggested that you might be willing to give me some information about careers in this area.

I have recently graduated with a degree in ……….................and am currently working for……………….and have gained some insight into………………………..

I hope that you will be able to spare me half an hour at some time in the near future ..……

…………………………………. and I would be most grateful if I could also meet one of your colleagues/other employees for a short discussion.

I enclose my CV and will telephone your office next week to try to arrange an appointment at a time to suit you.

Useful Vocabulary- Positive Words & Descriptive Words

achieved administered analysed built capable competent communicated consistent controlled co-ordinated created designed Developed directed economical efficient

• engineered• established• expanded• experienced• guided• implemented• improved• initiated• led• managed• monitored• organised• participated• positive

• processed• proficient• profitable• qualified• repaired• resourceful• sold• specialised• stable• successful• supervised• trained• versatile• wide experience

Thank You